Eat fruit Winter is a great way to hydrate yourself and consume micronutrients to boost your much-needed immunity. Delicious, succulent and filling Antioxidantswinter fruit is much awaited and does not taste like out of season. Oranges, guava, grapefruit, apple, pomegranate are all abundant in India during this time. According to studies, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps protect against cardiovascular disease, some cancers and other chronic diseases. Micronutrients such as carotenoids, flavonoids and Vitamin C have also been shown to improve immune function. (Also read: 7 winter superfoods for diabetics
“Although winter can make you feel dull and dreary, seeing these colorful winter fruits is sure to give you a mental boost. During this season, the body’s immunity is strong. Human body is reduced and susceptible to colds and other viral infections.Adding seasonally available fruits in your diet can improve your overall health and boost your immunity. you fight disease,” says Manpreet Kaur Paul, Executive Dietitian, Cloudnine Hospital Group, Faridabad.
Here is a list of some winter fruits suggested by Manpreet Kaur Paul that you definitely should not miss this winter.
1. Oranges
The benefits of including oranges in our diet are many, due to their high nutritional value, high fiber, vitamin and water content. As an excellent source of the antioxidant Vitamin C, oranges can help prevent the formation of free radicals that can cause cancer. Oranges are a reliable source of fiber and potassium, both of which are responsible for supporting heart health.
Oranges are one of the most accessible sources of flavonoid antioxidants. These antioxidants have a number of benefits for people with diabetes, including insulin resistance, increased insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Oranges, being a rich source of Vitamin C, support collagen production, support the skin, promote wound healing and improve skin strength.
2. persimmons
_1621242096606_1621242123095.jpg "Persimmon (Japani Phal): This is a sweet fruit found in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Nilgiri Hills. This orange fruit contains many nutrients. It contains beneficial plant compounds with antioxidants. Studies say that persimmons can reduce the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and metabolic disease. (Unsplash)")
Persimmon is a winter fruit and it doesn’t really ripen until the temperature drops. This fruit has a bright orange color, juicy and smooth flesh. Persimmons can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked and are commonly used in the form of jellies, drinks, pies, curries as well as puddings.
Persimmons are a very good source of calcium and phosphorus, which can help promote good fetal growth and development. In addition, the iron content in persimmons eliminates the risk of anemia during pregnancy. The flesh of persimmons contains a lot of fiber, which not only promotes digestive health but also helps to keep fit. This fruit is also a good choice for pregnant women as it helps relieve constipation and soften bowel movements. The high fiber content of this fruit also helps reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of persimmon help prevent skin inflammation and the antioxidants help to slow down the aging process and premature wrinkles. The antioxidants also help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Persimmons also have strong anti-cancer properties. They can reduce the growth and spread of many types of cancer. The bioactive compounds in this fruit can kill cancer cells and keep them from spreading.
3. Apples
Offering a variety of varieties, apples are among the most popular fruits available on the market. They are nutritious, fragrant and delicious. The phytonutrients in this fruit may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure. It is good for eyesight and also gives a glow to the skin. Apples grow best at higher altitudes in cooler climates.
Due to being rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and fiber, apples are considered the best fruit to consume during pregnancy. All fruits should always be washed thoroughly before consumption. Try to eat apples with the skin on as it contains Vitamins A, C and K along with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. The polyphenols in apple peel increase the flexibility of blood vessels to maintain a healthy heart
Apples have a good amount of fiber in them which helps in making good bowel movements. Fiber also helps lower blood cholesterol levels and control sugar levels. Apples are also known to protect brain cells from damage. Especially these fruits have
High quercetin content, prevents free radicals. These free radicals, when found in excess, can damage brain cells and other types of cells
4. Pomegranate
Pomegranate, also known as anar, is a red, sweet, thick-skinned fruit. Although the peel of this fruit is inedible, it contains hundreds of succulent seeds inside that you can eat or sprinkle on salads, oatmeal, etc. As a good source of fiber, pomegranates can aid in weight loss. , relieve constipation and lower cholesterol levels.
Pomegranate is rich in polyphenolic compounds, which is one of the top-rated heart-friendly fruits effective in reducing systolic blood pressure. Pomegranate contains several compounds that help fight harmful fungi, bacteria and yeast, especially in the mouth, and some germs that can cause bad breath and tooth decay. Certain compounds found in this fruit may protect brain health, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even recovery from brain injury. Pomegranates can help reduce the occurrence of kidney stones which may be a result of the antioxidant properties they possess.
